The International ranking List will start to operate from 1st January 2009. Unfortunately, there were 2 problems that stopped its operation in 2008. These were:

 The computer programmes had originally been developed in Germany for the German Dragon Fleet. They have operated successfully in Germany for some years. As the programmes are now to be used internationally, they have had to be transposed into English. This proved more difficult than originally anticipated. This has, however, now been successfully completed and is fully operational.

 The original test runs in 2007 highlighted the difficulties in identifying the individual sailors. There were a number of errors as a result of names being spelt differently, differing alphabets in different countries and people changing boats. The fundamental decision taken for 2009 is that the Ranking List will be for helmsmen only (i.e. not for crew and not for boats). It is essential that we can accurately identify each helmsman at each regatta. The mechanism chosen to achieve this is the ISAF sailor registration and classification system. This means that each helmsman who wants to participate in the IRL must register with ISAF in order to be given his/her unique alpha/numeric code number. It would be convenient if each sailor also takes this opportunity to get his/her classification determined at the same time as this information s likely to be needed at some stage in the future. The whole process can be done online (http://www.isaf.org), is free and only takes a few minutes. It would be advisable to register as soon as possible and in any event before the end of 2008. All regatta organisers for ranking events must also ensure that ISAF registration numbers for all competitors are included in regatta entry forms as well as having the helmsman’s included in the results. This will ensure that the results can be recorded correctly into the computer programme for the IRL.

Please note that the IRL can only operate successfully if both competitors and organisers follow the simple procedures outlined above.

February 2nd 2009: International Ranking List update for Competitors and Event Organisers

In the Southern Hemisphere the first graded event of the New Year has been completed, (The Prince Philip Cup) and the first events in the Northern Hemisphere will shortly take place.

This year there is one more requirement for those wishing to be ranked, which is to obtain and include on their entry forms for all IRL eligible events, an ISAF Registration Number. This is a simple procedure and can easily be obtained on line from ISAF at http://www.sailing.org. – (go to ‘sailors’ – ‘register as a sailor’, and complete two boxes). The number is sent to you by E-Mail within minutes of completion.

This requirement is now in Paragraph 1 of the IDA Regatta Regulations (page 86).

HELMSMEN must send their full name, nationality and their ISAF Registration Number to; IRL@intdragon.org before the first ranked Regatta they enter, and include it on the Entry Form

ORGANISING AUTHORITIES of IRL events shall require, and make space for, the ISAF Registration number on the event Entry Forms and include it with helmsman’s names on their published list of results, which they must send to; IRL@intdragon.org in order that the results can be recorded in the IRL database. It is the responsibility of organisers to send the results list to the above E-Mail address so that the IRL can be updated

For full information on the International Ranking List see Part IV of the IDA Regatta Regulations on the Class website

Many entries are still being received for the Europeans and Gold Cup without ISAF Sailor ID Numbers. Please remember that these numbers are essential for entries to be accepted and for the Results to count for the International Ranking List..

Owners of boats who have, or are intending to enter, all graded events, must ensure that these personal ID numbers (essential for helmsmen, ) have been, or will be, included on their entry forms, or arrange for them to be sent to the relevant Organising Authority as soon as possible.